Happiness Measure: The Satisfaction With Life Scale

I’ve previously explained how a specific definition of happiness can be measured – here’s an example of how it’s done. The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is one of many happiness measures used to quantify well being in this way.

Now you could just ask people how happy they are on a scale of 1-10, and this would get you some useful information. But the results would be slightly different depending on how you worded the question. This particular scale uses five questions and takes an average. This waters down the influence of wording. The SWLS is widely used, and a lot of the research on happiness was done using this form. I even used it myself, in my dissertation at university.

Here it is:

Below are five statements that you may agree or disgree with. Using the 1 – 7 scale below indicate your agreement with each item by placing the appropriate number on the line preceding that item. Please be open and honest in your responding.

I could never figure out why people use scales to rate happiness. You are either happy, or you are not happy. You are either content, or discontented, you are either peaceful, or anxious. The three are interdependent. Much like, how honest are you on a scale…..you are either honest or dishonest, period! Of course that conclusion is an individual reality, not a collective reality….as is all the other “ratings” one should give ones self.

I suppose it may just be a matter of “language”. I see happiness as a constant, along with contentment, and a sense of peacefulness. I see the levels you are pointing out, as enjoyment, fun, pleasure, transient things. They are a result of circumstance for the most part, and are very welcome things….but happiness is not, or should not, be dependent on transient things, at least in my way of seeing it for myself. Thank you for sparking a thought that I can “enjoy”. 🙂

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Remember…

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.